Electric apparatus.



No. 873,290. PATBNTBD" DBG. '10, 1907. .H.L.BBAGH. ELECTRIC APPARATUS. APPLIUATION FILED HAR. 3. 1906.

WITNESSES:

UiviTED sTATEs l"PriirEivr oEEioE.

HOWARD L. BEACH, or WILKINSBUEG, rENivsYLvAivi/i, iissicivon rro WEsTiNGHoUsE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANlA.

ELECTRIC APPARATUS.

lo dll 'whom it 'may concern:

Be itv known that I, HOWARD LQBEACH, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Wilkinsburg, in the county ot Allegheny and State of Peniis'ylvaiiia,liave invented a new and useful Improvement in Electric Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electric apparatus and has special reference to electricallyoperated means for producing `a step-bystep movement of a device.

One objectof my invention yis to provide a device ofthe class above indicated, that shall be simple and durable in construction, that shall automatically and successively complete a series ofcircuit connections and that `shall be dependent upon the opening and closing of a single circuit.

A further object of my invention is to provide .means for automatically returning the aforesaid. device to its initial-position upon the interruption of a predeteri'nined circuit.

In the operation of variable speed motors,- such as are employed for electric railway vehicle service, it has been found desirable and economical to ein )loy a systen'i of automatic acceleration which has usually comprised'a plurality of switches so interlocked vas to con'line their o )eration to a predetermined sequence. Tit i such an arrangement, it is advisable to use a device for preventing the closure of each accelerating switch until the current lowing inthe motor circuit falls below a predetermined value, .in order that the motors may not b e injured by increasing' they applied voltage too rapidly. Then such systems are applied to electric locomotives which are utilized for propelling or hauling ltrains of di'll'ereiit lengths and weights it is of special advantage to provide means for adiusiing the predetermined curl rent value at which the limiting device will o crate in order 'that the time consumed in t ie acceleration may be kept substantially constant for all loads. Adevice for accomplishing this purpose may comprise a plurality of switches having dissimilar actuating coils, all of which are 'connectediii series In order that means of this characterinay be under the control of the attriiiilanhfit is necessary to provide a selective device whereby the i pair of stationacv pawls 12%.

Specification of Letters Patent. 4Eppingen nea una i906. seriaiiio. 304.095'.

l i r vseveral operating positions.

Patented Dec. 10, 1907.

conditions imposed lupon the vehicle, may bey actively connected m the' control circuits. According to'niy present invention, I provide a device comprising two electro-magnets,` one of which, when denergized, automatically returns the device fromv any of the operatingy positions which it is adapted to occupy, to its initial position, and the other of which, when successively energized and denergized, moves the device through its The supply of energy to the first electro-magnetinay advantageously be dependent upon the position occupied by a master controller and that to the other may preferably be dependent upon a push button switch or similar device Awhich normally interrupts the circuit. Although the apparatus of my invention is specially adapted for use with-the adjust able limiting device hereinbefore described, its use is not restricted thereto, and although the step-by-step movement is utilized for moving the contact member successively into engagement with a seriesi of stationary contact fingers' for effecting desirable circuit connections, I desire that my invention shall be construed to coverthe application of such a mot-.ion for any yother purpose to which it is adapted.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings iii which Figure l is a sectional elevation of a device constructed in accordance therewith. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the device illustrated in Fig. l and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a system embodying an application of my invention to an adjustable limiting device'.

.Referring particularlyA to 1i and 2, the device illustrated thereincomprises electro magnets 1 and 2 having movablecore ineinhers 3 and at. a ratchet member a movablel contact member 6 and engaging .lingers 7, 8, 9 and ll). The ratchet member 5 and the conta-ct member 6 are attached to opposite extremities of a connecting rod ll which eX- tcnds through a hole in the movable core member 4 of electro-magnet 2, in which it is limit switch which is adaptedto the service l the movable core member 3 is limited on one side by a stationary core member 14 and on the other side by a collar or cap 15 'which attached adjustably to the cover plate 16 of the electro-magnet. When the electro-magnet'l is denergizedv the coremember 3 lis held in engagement with the cap .15 .by the action of Va s ring 17 whichit compressed when the co1 is energized. A'spring 18 is interposed between a shoulder 19 on the rod 11 and the movable core member 4 ofthe electro-magnet ,2 in order to force the rod 11y and the said core member in opposite directionsa-nd normally .hold the latter against a capfor collar 21, which corresponds to the cap for collar 15 of the electro-magnet '1. T-he outer end of the movable core member 4 is beveled and when the electro-magnet 2 is denergized it is adapted tomove the pawls 12 and 13 out of engagement with the ratchet member 5, against the action of springs` 22 and 23, by reason of the pressure of the s ring 1S. The ratchet member 5 is provided'withnotches 24, 25, 26 and 27 and the 4the stationary fpawls' 13 engage the notch 25.

arrangement ofthe parts is such that -whencurrent is supplled to electro-magnet 2, and

electro-magnet 1 is-denergized, both pairs If the supply circuit of the electro-magnet 1 is again interrupted, the spring 17 changes the position of the core member 3 and moves the pawls 12-into engagement with the notch 25. In a simliar manner, by continuing tointermittently energize the electro-magnet 1, the stationary-pawls 13 successively engage the notches 2,6 and 27 and the movable contact member 6 is moved successively into engagement with contact fingers 9 and 10. If the electro-magnet 2 is denergized at any stage of the operation, the ratchet member 5 is immediately released from the pawls 12 and 13, by the movable core member Y4, and the contact member: 6 is returned to its initial position by the action of the spring 1S,

The ap lication ofthe device, in a system to which it'is adapted, is illustrated in Fig. 3 to which reference may now be had. The systemV here illustrated comprises an electric motor 28, resista-nce sections 29 and 29?l which may be connected in series circuit relation therewith, switches 30, 31 and 31HL which determine the circuit connections therefor, a limiting device 32 and a master switch 33 which is adapted to occupy either ol positions a: and y. lVheu the master switch o'ccupies the' position fr the control circuits are interrupted and the switches 30 .pliedfthrouglr conductor 38 to one terminal of the winding-ofthe electro-magnety 2, the

olpposite terminal of whichl is connected to t e negative terminal of the battery 34. As soon as vthis winding is energized, the'pawls 12 and- 13 engage the nbtch 24 of the ratchet member 5. CurrentI is supplied to'an oper-I ating magnet winding 48a of the switch 31l through a conductor 39 and, as soon as the s witch is closed,a circuit is completed from line conductor i ance 29, motor 28, limit coils 61, 60', 59 and 57 throughswitch 31", resist-y I 58 and resistance section.29 to conductor'62.

Current is now also supplied from contact finger-37 through conductor 39 to contact member 6, contact finger 7', limit switches 40, 41; 42 and 43, conductor 44, contact finger 45a of the switch 31, contact member` 46, contact-finger 47,contact finger 45 of the switch 30, contact member 46' and con'.

tact iinger 47, to operating magnet 48, the opposite terminal of which` is connected to the negatlveterminal ofthe battery 34.

AEnergy may be supplied to the coil 48 and the switch 30 may be closed if the limit switches 40,-41, 42 and 43 are closed. As

soon as the switch 30 is closed, energy is supplied directly from the conductor 39 through contact finger 49, contact member 46 and contact finger 47 and thecoil 48'so that the switch is held in this position irrespective of the subsequent action of the limit switches. Energy is now supplied through the limit switches and conductor 44 through contact finger 45 which engages'contact member 50,

contact finger 51, conductorv52, contact finf ger 5 3 of the switch 31,'contact member 54 and contact finger 55 and the operating coil 56 of the switch. 31. The opposite terminal of the coil 56 is connected directly to'the negative battery terminal. The successive closing of the switches 30 and31 short-circuitsthe resistance sections 2,9 and 29 so that the motor is finally connected directly iacross the line.

The acceleration of the'motor 28, as hereinbefore described, is dependent upon the.

closure of all of the limit Lswitches when the contact member 6 engages the contact finger '7. if it is desirable, however, to accelerate the motor more rapidly, the electro-magnet 1 may be temporarily energized by closing the push button switch 63 in Order to supply electric current to the magnet winding through ythe conductor 38. lf this magnet is energized when the pawls 12 are in engage ment with the notch 24 on the ratchet niember 5, the Contact member 6 is moved into engagement with contact finger S and the lingers successively,`

dependent ofthe m the cbnductor 39 to .a point "intermee' diate the switches 40 and 41 so thatfthe acceleration of the motor is independent of the 'limit switch 40. The acceleration'A of the motor may be stillfurther 'increased by' again closing the switch63`wh'ch connects conductor'39 to apoint between switches 41 and 42, 'so' that the acceleration becomes inswitch 41,., In 4 a similar manner, the acceleration of the motor maybe made independenty of the switch 42 since vso the convolutions included in the windings 58, 59, 60 and 6in-are so determined as to o pen the switches40, 41, '42 and 43 at 'materially increased current values motor circuit.

f-The details of construction may, of course,

flowing in the be varied Within considerable limits Without departing from Illy-invention. claim as my invention:

1. The combinationwith a movable contact member having a'ratchet device, and

actuating and holding paWls .te engage said device,` of a spring and anelectromagnet acting alternatively and op o sitely upon the actuating pawls, means for oldin'g the pawls out of engagement with the ratchet device,

and. a spring and an electro-magnet acting alternately and oppositely upon said means.

2. .Thecombination With'a movable contacit member vhaving Va ratchet device and stationary contact fingers, of actuating` and j holding pavvls, Van electro-magnet for moving they actuating pawls ffoi'wardly and a spring for' moving them rearwardly to eiiect a steplby-step movement of the contact member to engagesai-dv fingerssuccessively; and a springactuated means for releasing ythe ratchet device from the pawls.

3.The'"com inationwith a Vtact member having a ratchet device anll sta- ;tionary'contact' fingers, oi electro-'magnetic- J. ally-actuated pawls forl autiiniaticallilv moving said member into engagement with said fingers successively, and springs for moving i said pawls rearwardlyT and for moving them out of ,engagcmentwith the ratchet device. 4; The combination with a longitudinally .movable `contact member, stationary contact terminals and a ratchet vmember attached to the movable member, of pawlsfor engaging the ratchet mcmber,'aii electro- .said pawls to move by-step into engagement with the stationary means for holding said member in each position to which it isl moved,

magnet and a spring acting in opposition upon the contact member stepand means for releasing the ratchet'nicmber movable confrom the pawls When the interruption of the circuit .is desired, i

5. The combination with a longitudinally movable contact member, stationary coiitact terminals and a ratchet member atmagneticallya'ctuatedmeans for engaging the ratchetmember to move the contact memberstep-.b'y-step into engagement with the lstationary terminals successively, and means'forholding the movable member in each position -to .which it is moved.

vtached 'to the movable` member, of electrov 6. The combination with a longitudinally movable contact member,` stationary con ytact terminals, and a ratchet member at tached to the movable member, of means for a engaging the .ratchet member tol move the contact member lstep-by-step into engagement with the stationary terminals success ively, means for holding the movable mem- -ber in each positionlto which it is moved,

means for releasing said .member and means for returning it to its initial position.

,7., The combination with a longitudinally movable contact member, stationary contact terminals, a ratchet member attached to the movable member, and a pair of paivls ada ted to engage said ratchet member to hol the movable member in a predetertuated means for engaging the ratchet member to move the-contact member into engagement with the saidterminals successively.

minedpositio'n, of electro-magnotically-ac- 8. The combination with a longitudinally movable contactnieinber, stationary contact terminals, `a ratchet member attached to the movable member, and a pair of pawls ada ted to engage said ratchet member to holdD the movable member in a predetermined position, of a pair of electro-magnet.- ically-actuated paivls to engage said ratchet membery and move the contact member stepbyfstep into engagementwith the saidtere minals successively.

' 9. The combination With a longitudinally movable contact member, stationary 'contact terminals, a ratchet member attached to -the movable member,l a pair of pawls adapted to engage said ratchet member and to hold the movable member in a predetervmined position, voi! means for vengaging said ratchet member. to move said contact niember step-b r-step into en agement with the and means for.

said terminals successively, releasing and returning the movable member to its initialposition.

10. The combination with a longitudinally ymovable rod, a ratchet member and a contact member. attaelied thereto, stationary contact fingers to engage said contact meinber, a pair of stationary pavvls which may bc held in engagemcntywith said ratchet ineinber, an electro-magnet, a pair of paivls at- -contact fingers therefor, a series of notches at tion, and an electro-magnet that acts in op- Vrod, a contact member attached thereto an lnsulated therefrom, stationary engaging contact fingers, a series of notches at the op- -adapted to engage the notches on the rod.

confine the motion of said rod to one directachedto the movable core of said electromagnet, means for releasing both pairs of pawls, and an actuating spring therefor that serves to return ,the contact member to its initial. position- 11. The combination with a longitudinally movable rod, a ratchet member and a contact member attached thereto, stationary' contact fingers to engage said contact member, a pair of stationaryv holding pawlsto engage said ratchet member, an electromagnet, a pair of engaging awls attached to the movable core of sai electro-magnet, means for releasing both pairs of pawls, an actuating spring therefor thatserves to return the contact member to its initial posiposition to said spring. 12. The combination with an operatin posite extremity of the rod, stationary pawls adapted to engage said notches and confine the motion of said rod to one direction, of an electro -magnet, a movable core member therefor, and pawls attached thereto and 13. The combination with an operatin rod, -a contact member attached thereto an insulated therefrom, stationary engaging the opposite extremity of the rod, stationary pawls adapted to4 engage said notches and confine the motion of said rodto one direction, of an electro-magnet, a movable core member therefor, pawls `attached thereto and adapted to engage the notches on the rod andmeans for bringing the contact'member into successive engagement with said stationary contact fingers.

14. The combination with an opera-tin rod, a contact member attached thereto an insulated therefrom, stationary engaging' contact fingers therefor, a series of notches'at the opposite extremity ofthe rod, stationary pawls adapted to engage said notches and confine the motion of said rod to one direc-. tion, of an electro-magnet, a movable core member therefor, pawls-attached thereto and adapted to engage the notches on the rod and means for bringing the contact member into successive engagement with said stationary contact fingers asv said electro-magnet is intermittently energized.

15. The combination with an operating rod, a contact member attached thereto and insulated therefrom, stationary engaging contact'terminals therefor, a series of notches at the opposite extremity of the rod, stationary pawls adapted to engage said notches and tion, ,of an electro-magnet, a movable core member therefor, pawls attached thereto and adapted to engage the notches on the rod and l means for. bringing the contact member into" contact fingers, notches on one, end ofthe,

rod, engaging pawls operated by an electromagnet to move the contact member in to successive engagement with,v the statbiriary fingers, stationary pawls adapted to rtftain the movable contact member in position as it is advanced through successive steps.

17 The combination with an operatin rod, a contact member attached thereto an insulated therefrom, stationary enga 'ng contact terminals, notches-on one ende the rod, engaging .pawls operated by an electro-magnet to move the contact member into successive engagementwith thestationary terminals, stationary pawls adapted to retain the movable contact member 1n position as it is advanced through successive steps and means foil releasing the stationary and the movable pawls from engagement with said notches, said meansbeing operativewhen a'second electro-.magnet 'is ideenergized. l f 18. In a system of electric motor control, the combination Withswitches adapted to close Iin a predetermined sequence, of limit switches adapted to operate at different values sure of said switches, and selective means for determining which of said limitswitchcs shall be included in the circuit, said means com' prising a movable contact member, stationary contact terminals and electro-magnetic means for moving said member intosuccessive engagement Withsaid terminals by temporarily and intermittently closing 'a `single electric-circuit.l

20. In acontrol system for electric motors, the combination with switches provided with auxiliary "interlocking contact members -to determine the relative vposition and .the sequence of operation ofthe switches and a plurality -of dissimilar magnet windings connected in series relation with the motor circuit and adapted to open the auxiliary supply circiuts when predetermined values traverse the plurality bytemporarly and intermittently closing 'a short-circuit the resistance motor circuits, and selective means for dete'rmining which of said limit switches shall be included. in the circuit, said means comprisL ing a movable contact member,stationary contact 'lingers and electroanagnetic means i for moving said member into successive en l gagement with said fingers,

21. In a contr'ol system for electric motors, the combination with switches provided. with l auxiliary y interlocking contact members l which determine `the relative position and thel sequence of operation of the switches and a l of dissimilar magnet windings con i nccted in series/relation wi th the motor circuit and adapted to open the auxiliary supl ply circuits when )redetermined valuestravf erse the motor circuits, and selective means for determining which of said limit switches l shallbe included in the circuit, said ,means-lf comprising a movable contact member., stationary contact terminalsl and electro-magnetic means for moving said member into successive engagement with said terminals single electric circuit.

22.y In a controlk system, the 'combination with electric motors, resistance in circuit therewith and switches adapted to effect suit--` able circuit connections and to gradually i by the closure of' I said switches in a predetermined sequence, and a limiting device which automatically inl l l l l layed7 of controlling and adjusting means forterrubtsu-the interconnecting contolcrcuits so that the normal sequential operation is de'- layecl, of controlling and adjusting'means `for -saidlimiting device comprising a@inici/able contact `member,l stationary;v contact terminale, and electro-magnetic means for moving said. member into successive engagement with said terminals. 4

23. Yin a control systemthe combination with electric motors, resistance -in circuit therewith and switches adap td'to elfect suitable circuit connections anditc graduay short-circuit the resistance the closure of said switches lin a' predetermined. sequence and a limiting device which" automatically i n -terrupts the interconnecting control' circuits' so that the norm al sequential operation is de- 5 said limiting device, comprising a movable contact member, stationary contact term1 nais, and electromi agnetic means for moving said member into successive engagement with said terminals temporarily and intermit`y 5 vtently lclosing a single electric circuit.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto my 1906. I L

HOWARD 'Witnessesz l y Trios. S. HowELL, BIRNEY iiNEs. 

